Most of the football players are not earning that much but there are a few with huge incomes (part from salary and part from marketing). An interesting fact is that most of the best paid players in the world are playing for two Spanish teams Barcelona and Real Madrid.

by FW Editor

1

Leo Messi (Argentina)

Leo Messi is the new world sensation and no.1 in our top. This amazing player from Barcelona earns €33m per season, mostly from salary (!). Leo Messi earns €14m from his club alone (€10m salary+ €4m bonuses). Besides that, Messi is the image of numerous brands like Pepsi, Gilette, Gatorade, Konami, Air Europa, Telefonica, ESPN, Danone, Lody for Men, SanDisk, etc.

2

David Beckham (England)

David Beckham is more than a simple football player, he is a brand. For him, salary is nothing. He makes billions from commercials, soccer academies, fragrances, and huge contracts with brands like Nike and Pepsi. For many years, David Beckham was one of the best paid football players in the world but now, he can make way more outside of the football field.

3

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

The difference between no.4 and no.3 in our top is huge. Cristiano Ronaldo earns €30mi per season at Real Madrid and, believe it or not, salary is just a small part of his income. Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most sold images of the world. He has contracts with Armani, Pepe Jeans and Nike as well as numerous commercials and TV shows apparitions.

4

Kaka (Brazil)

Kaka is the new Brazilian sensation. His transfer from AC Milan to the most famous club in the world, Real Madrid had a significant impact over Kaka’s income. Beside his huge salary from Real Madrid, Kaka is the face of the adiPure III and spokesman for Armani.

5

Thierry Henry (France)

Thierry Henry is France all-time highest goal scorer. Beside his huge salary from Barcelona, Henry has some profitable contracts with Gilette and Reebok. Thierry Henry is number 5 in our top but some incoming contracts may set him for a better position.

6

Ronaldinho (Brazil)

Ronaldinho's income is roughly the same since 2008. However, his huge fame boost is starting to fade and he is only no.6 in our top 10. Even so, Ronaldinho has a strong and comfortable position at AC Milan which insures a few more years of fame.

7

Carloz Tevez (Argentina)

Tevez is a surprising apparition in our top 10. His huge income comes part from salary (Manchester City) and part from its new contract with Nike for their Tiempo Legend line. The number 7 from Manchester City is rank 7 as well in your top 10.

8

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden)

After the recent transfer to Barcelona, Ibrahimovic's income grew exponentially. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is in top 10 mostly because of his huge salary (€9.5m). Barcelona is looking only for top players but they also pay top salaries for these players. Next to his salary, Ibrahimovic is receiving some additional income from his contract with Nike.

9

Frank Lampard (England)

Frank Lampard is one of the most notorious players from Chelsea London. In 2010, Lampard signed a huge contract with EA (Electronic Arts) and his face appeared on the cover of FIFA 10. If you combine this with his huge salary from Chelsea, you obtain a roughly €14mil income for 2010. Frank Lampard is our number 9.

10

Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon)

Samuel Eto's is number one highest-earning African player. Ex Barcelona player, Eto'o is currently playing for Internazionale. Another huge part of his income comes from the contract with Puma. This huge international company is paying millions just to keep Eto'o as their image.